Copa del Rey, Quarterfinals: Wins for all four favorites in the first legs

The first legs of the Copa del Rey quarterfinal ties are complete and things are going pretty much as everyone expected. All four of the “favorites” earned wins this week, though is slightly different fashion.

Minutes later Madrid would not miss.

Gareth Bale’s glancing header from a Álvaro Arebeloa cross went right into the path of Karim Benzema who directed a header of his own past the Espanyol keeper, putting Madrid ahead 1-0.

Spain’s ridiculous schedule of league and cup matches virtually every day for a month continues as the Copa del Rey quarterfinals get underway this week with the first leg matches.

Here’s the full schedule for this week’s Copa del Rey matches.

This is the second time this month the two teams will have met, with one more game coming next week in the second leg. Madrid one of the meeting -- a league match -- 1-0 thanks to a header from Pepe early in the second half. Espanyol will be hoping to take some positives away from that result and find a way to upset Los Blancos.

Carlo Ancelotti will likely shift is lineup around again in an attempt to keep players fresh. Sergio Ramos is doubtful with a knee injury and Xabi Alonso will probably be rested, opening up a spot for Asier Illarramendi. Karim Benzema scored his 100th goal in a Madrid jersey over the weekend but might find himself back on the bench in favor of Jesé.